The Passivhaus Standard Outlasts Extreme Wildfires in la

The Passivhaus Standard protected a home from the Pacific Palisades blaze

In a remarkable turn of events, a home on Iliff Street in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, survived the devastating Palisades Fire, while its neighbours were reduced to rubble. Experts suggest that the survival of this home may be attributed to its passivhaus design principles, which enhance energy efficiency and, in this case, may have provided increased fire resistance.

The home, designed with a simplified façade, reinforced windows, and a concrete perimeter wall, followed many of the key elements of passivhaus standards. These features, alongside a sealed building envelope and efficient heat recovery ventilation (HRV), likely helped protect it from the ferocious flames.

The Passivhaus Network Executive Director, Ken Levenson said that “The airtightness and insulation of Passivhaus offer protection not only from temperature extremes but also from elements like smoke and fire.”

The home's survival amidst such destruction highlights the potential for passivhaus methods to mitigate risks in fire-prone regions. Passivhaus construction principles, such as compact design, airtightness, and the use of fire-resistant materials like mineral wool and wood fiber board, have proven to reduce the likelihood of fire damage. These materials act as a protective barrier, creating a "fire-resistant blanket" around the structure.

“This remarkable case study highlights the benefits of building better for our extreme weather risks. Insurers will be looking for better quality buildings that seek to mitigate climate risks from increased temperatures, fire and smoke. I believe we can expect insurers to provide better rates for buildings built with these risks in mind” said Australian Passivhaus Association CEO, Alexia Lidas.

Experts agree that the design of the Iliff Street home follows passivhaus principles, which have proven effective in fire resistance, as demonstrated in regions like Colorado during the Marshall Fire in 2022. Additionally, thoughtful landscaping choices, including a gravel yard and cleared lot, further enhanced the home's protection.

This event serves as a powerful reminder of how integrating passive house standards in the construction of homes in fire-prone areas can enhance resilience against natural disasters, while also contributing to energy efficiency and indoor comfort.